The cradles of Western Civilisation are explored on this epic voyage through Italy and Greece. Admire the art and architecture of Rome and the rich cultural heritage of Florence which sparked a revival in Europe and the end of the Dark Ages. Visit the breath-taking monasteries of Meteora and see the sight of the most important oracle in the classical world.

Overview:

The cradles of Western Civilisation are explored on this epic voyage through Italy and Greece. Admire the art and architecture of Rome and the rich cultural heritage of Florence which sparked a revival in Europe and the end of the Dark Ages. Visit the breath-taking monasteries of Meteora and see the sight of the most important oracle in the classical world.

Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City. Relax after your journey or perhaps take a stroll through this historic city. Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and evening orientation drive which will take you to view the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica - a perfect start to your holiday.Welcome Reception

Day : 2

Rome Sightseeing

Number of Days : 1

With a Local Specialist visit St. Peter's Basilica and view Michelangelo's Pietà. See the Circus Maximus where chariot races were held. Visit the impressive Colosseum. There's time afterwards to explore the city on your own or simply relax and watch the world go by.Buffet Breakfast

Day : 3

Rome Sightseeing – Florence

Number of Days : 1

This morning visit the Vatican Museums with a Local Specialist. Experience a Cultural Insight when you ascend Bramante's smooth and step-less spiral staircase. Admire Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling when you visit the Sistine Chapel. Later, drive north through picturesque scenery to the Renaissance city of Florence in Tuscany. Tonight enjoy a Be My Guest dinner in the Chianti countryside.Buffet Breakfast, Be My Guest Dining

Day : 4

Florence Sightseeing – Venice (Mestre) (2 Nights)

Number of Days : 1

Your Local Specialist reveals Florence's rich cultural heritage during your walking tour. Visit Piazza della Signoria, with its impressive sculptures and imposing palazzi. View the marble Duomo and the famous Baptistery, renowned for its bronze doors with relief sculptures and the Ponte Vecchio. Travel through the Apennines and cross the Veneto plains to Venice. This evening, you might like to take a gondola ride along enchanting canals - it's the perfect introduction to this magical city.Buffet Breakfast

Day : 5

Venice Orientation

Number of Days : 1

Savour the unique sights and sounds of Venice as you cruise by private launch to visit some of the attractions of this unique city. Enjoy a Cultural Insight into the Venetian tradition of glass making before seeing the sights including the Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica and the ornate Doge's Palace. This afternoon consider taking an Optional Experience to one of the islands in the lagoon.Buffet Breakfast

Day : 6

Venice (Mestre) – Overnight Ferry

Number of Days : 1

Travel south to the ancient port city of Ancona to board your overnight ferry to mainland Greece.Buffet Breakfast, Dinner

Day : 7

Igoumenitsa – Meteora – Kalambaka

Number of Days : 1

Arrive early into the port of Igoumenitsa and travel along the foothills of the Athamanika mountains before arriving at the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Meteora. These are some of the largest and most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece. Visit two of the six monasteries built on sandstone rocks above the town with your Local Specialist. Dine tonight at your hotel.Buffet Breakfast, Dinner

Day : 8

Kalambaka – Delphi

Number of Days : 1

Drive south towards Mount Parnassos and Delphi, where we will stay overnight. Join a Local Specialist and see the site of the most important oracle in the classical world and walk the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo where every four years athletes competed in the Pythian Games.Buffet Breakfast

Day : 9

Delphi – Athens Sightseeing

Number of Days : 1

We depart the 'navel of the earth' this morning and travel to Athens where we'll discover the city's rich heritage during our morning sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. Marvel at the Agora, the Royal Palace and the Temple of Zeus. Your choice of sightseeing includes a visit to the Acropolis to view the Parthenon or entry to the spectacular Acropolis Museum containing remarkable antiquities. See Hadrian's Arch and the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner to celebrate the end of your trip.Buffet Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day : 10

Embark – Mykonos

Number of Days : 1

Board your ship in Athens. Cruise to the island of Mykonos and spend time discovering the town and sparkling beaches.Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day : 11

Kusadasi – Patmos

Number of Days : 1

Arrive early at the port of Kusadasi in Turkey - there is time to take an Optional Experience to Ephesus. Continue on to Patmos, with an optional experience to the cave where the Book of Revelation was written.Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day : 12

Rhodes

Number of Days : 1

Arrive in Rhodes. Explore the fascinating medieval Old Town or join an optional experience to visit Lindos, featuring the Acropolis with stunning coastal views.Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day : 13

Heraklion – Santorini

Number of Days : 1

Disembark in Heraklion on the island of Crete, and perhaps visit the Palace of Knossos. Then cruise to the spectacular volcanic island of Santorini and enjoy a complimentary Shore Experience to the stunning village of Oia.Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day : 14

Disembark – Athens

Number of Days : 1

This morning, disembark from your ship for your transfer to the airport.Buffet Breakfast

View the ancient sites of Rome, the Duomo and Baptistery in Florence, the Doge's Palace and the Byzantine Basilica in Venice, the Parthenon, Royal Palace and the Temple of Zeus in Athens

Visit St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel and the Roman Colosseum in Rome, Piazzale Michelangelo, Piazza della Signoria in Florence, the monasteries of Meteora, Temple of Apollo in Delphi, Acropolis and Acropolis Museum in Athens